Investigation into a fire that lasted several days at a chemical plant in southeastern China's Fujian Province has begun, according to the work safety regulator.
The accident occurred on April 6 at a chemical plant of Tenglong Aromatic Hydrocarbon (Zhangzhou) Co. Ltd. on Gulei Peninsula of Zhangzhou City. It began after a xylene facility leaked oil and caught fire, which led to explosions, State Administration of Work Safety (SAWS) spokesperson Huang Yi said at a press conference at the State Council Information Office.
The fire reignited twice in the following days before finally being put out.
Dozens were injured by the accident while more than 29,000 people were evacuated from the surrounding area into temporary camps in logistics parks and schools in Zhangpu County.
This is the second accident in 20 months at the same facility, which produces paraxylene (PX), an industrial chemical used for making fiber and plastics.
The investigation is being carried out by the local provincial government under the guidance of the SAWS, said Huang.
Hidden dangers lurked when the plant was constructed and low priced equipment was used, said Huang, adding that parts of the plant were not designed scientifically and safety supervision was not in place.
Anyone who is responsible for this accident must be punished according to law and lessons must be learned.
In addition to Tenglong, SAWS has sent four groups to inspect all PX production facilities in the country, he said.
The Tenglong plant covers about 115 hectares, including factories, a specialized wharf for oils and a thermal power station, according to its official website.
PX plants are highly controversial in China and proposed plants have met strong public opposition in recent years.
China's environmental minister said the construction of PX projects should pass environmental impact assessments, during the country's annual parliamentary session in March.
